Nathan StClair

Race #1 Started off rather panicky, first practice run down hit a rock and broke a chain guide. Thanks to E*Thirteen  I threw another one on and kept rolling. Practice went well for all racers, it was a great experience getting to race with the pros from around the world. Also, thanks to Kona Bikes, Shimano, and Fox for helping me to get an unbelievable race machine ready for the 2017 season. I want to take a minute to thank every person who has helped me get to where I’m at, from sponsors and family to my coach/Dad. My Dad has put countless hours into preparation for these races, bike setup, making sure we have all the tools and parts we need, and most importantly pushing me on the road bike and in the gym. My dad has guided me into getting faster and stronger he has been behind me pushing me every step of the way. I was very nervous and unsure where would finish in the Pro category. Practice sunday morning went great, did a few runs to go over my lines and make sure I had the course dialed. After practice the pre race nervousness set in as it normally does. Sitting in the start line waiting for my turn to “go to war” with the clock is the highest adrenaline rush I’ve ever experienced. Now, sitting on the start gate with my heart racing, waiting for the timer to count down thinking about the first lines in the course. “5, 4, 3” and off I went… My Run went well, despite a few sections, I got down to the bottom not expecting to have a good time, but instead got called for the hot seat for the fastest time of the day. I stayed in the hot seat for quite some time as more and more riders came down. I got knocked off the hot seat by some of the biggest names in the business, and was super stoked to be only a few seconds off of the times of the fastest guys from around the world. Again, if it wasn’t for the awesome support from Kona, Fox, Shimano, and my family I would not be where I am at today. This race was an awesome experience, and I can’t wait for the Windrock Pro GRT.